World renowned sitarist and composer Anoushka Shankar celebrated a significant achievement at the 67th Grammy Awards, taking the stage as a presenter while being present at the event as one of the nominees.
Shankar, who recently came to India to launch the first single from her new EP, Chapter 3, expressed her emotions about returning home.
In addition to discussing her musical ties to India, Shankar highlighted the expanding impact of Indian music worldwide, which includes her Grammy nomination.
“It always feels like a homecoming every time I come back. The particular journey I’m on right now, with these 3 chapters I’ve been making and releasing, the idea of it was seeded when I was here in India. So, it just all feels very connected and very meaningful,” she told Hindustan Times.
Contemplating her late father, Ravi Shankar, Anoushka expressed that she believes she represents the whole nation internationally with her music. “I embody the tradition, so 90 percent of the time I tour abroad while representing India. It seems like a lovely obligation. My music has consistently helped me feel more linked to my Indian roots than anything else,” she mentioned.
Anoushka Shankar shared her thoughts on her Grammy nomination this year, which she did not win, losing to Indian-American singer and businesswoman Chandrika Tandon in the Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album category.
She said, “In the past, I have thought that this time, the odds would be in my favour but when I didn’t win, I realised the odds are always 20% every time. I try to keep it in perspective that the nominations are exciting, and that’s great.”
Anoushka Shankar noted that there has been a change in the global music scene, with increased visibility and representation of South Asian culture.
